Dangerous and Abandoned Blue Hawk Mine

Dangerous and Abandoned Blue Hawk Mine

The Blue Hawk Mine is an obscure and abandoned mine gold and silver mine

that can be found on eastern slope of Blue Grouse mountain near Kelowna, BC. Work on the site began in the 1930s, and extended just later than 1986. The mineshaft itself goes approximately 300 ft. deep, and remains of rail tracks can still be found inside. Also included are pieces of rough graffiti and beer cans, and small stalactite drips can be found clinging to the roof near the back.

Although most mines like this have been either permanently sealed off,

or turned into some sort of tourable, monetizing attraction, Blue Hawk remains in its natural place and state, leaving it available for exploration! It is always encouraging and exciting to be able to explore a site like this without a tour guide or boundaries!

After spending hours searching the backside of Blue Grouse Mountain, I stumbled upon a group of four other young men who were also looking for the mine. They seemed to have a much better idea of where to find the entry, so I followed them to the mouth of the long mountainside tunnel.

The GPS coordinates are (49°59′2″N 119°30′59″W)

and can be easily spotted from the downhill road it is found on. I wouldn’t recommend taking a low riding car to the site, as the roads are rough, but any other vehicle should be able to access the site without injury.

The entryway was flooded with water, but thankfully other adventurous explorers had laid a path of wood logs, branches, and palettes that could be tiptoed across to the dry ground. The water was very obviously stagnant by the awful scent it gave off.
After stepping off into the interior of Blue Hawk Mine’s tunnel, the air got slightly colder and you could feel the clammy dampness. Thankfully for phone flashlights we were able to navigate the mineshaft, and make it past several forks that led off in different directions.

Halfway through the mine, we all turned our flashlights off,

and not even a trace of light could be seen. The pitch blackness was so thick that you could not see the hand in front of your own face.

We explored the whole thing and each trail led to a disappointing dead end. However at the end of one of the tunnels there was written on the wall graffiti that stated “RIP Whitney Houston” which we all found quite humorous.

Railway tracks! Watch your step.

Small stalactite formations beginning.

We carefully exited the mine, and took several photos, and I told the guys I would be sure to feature them in the article.

I later went back to shoot some video and take a few additional photos,

and it was much more disturbing being in the mineshaft alone. Claustrophobia and the fear of the unknown grabs ahold of you and makes you feel quite isolated and alone.

Caution and preparation are both very important when exploring sites like this.

I would recommend bringing an extra flashlight if you go to explore Blue Hawk Mine. It would be nearly impossible to navigate your way around without some sort of light source. Be aware also that mineshafts are dangerous, and might not be a good place to go exploring, especially alone! Wild animals could inhabit the cave, and there is always the chance of becoming trapped on the inside for one reason or another. Prepare properly if you decide to venture into any abandoned place and watch your step!